Bolivia outdoors - Bolivia - page 51

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Bolivia is blessed with some of the most dramatic mountain-biking terrain in the world,
and offers seven months a year of near-perfect weather and relatively easy access to moun-
tain ranges, magnificent lakes, precolonial ruins and trails, and myriad eco-zones connected
by an extensive network of footpaths and jeep roads.
The Bolivian Andes are full of long and thrilling descents, as well as challenging touring
possibilities - but most people opt for downhill rides because of the altitude. One of the
world's longest downhill rides will take you from Parque Nacional Sajama down to the
Chilean coast at Arica. In the dry season you can even tackle the mostly level roads of the
vast Amazon lowlands.
Some rides from La Paz can be done by riders of any experience level. There are more
combinations than on a bike lock as trails lead through Inca roads, tropical tracks, jeep
roads and scree chutes. The best known (but not necessarily the best for serious riders) is
the thrilling 3600m trip down the World's Most Dangerous Road from La Cumbre to
Coroico. Another popular route near La Paz is the lush Zongo Valley ride, which can be
started from Chacaltaya (5395m).
The town of Sorata is emerging as the mountain-bike mecca of Bolivia, with scores of
downhill single-track trails and jeep road rides near town, including a combination bike-
and-boat trip from Sorata to Rurrenabaque. For the hardcore rider, scree chutes to biker-
built single track and jump zones abound. Every year, typically in October, Sorata is host to
the longest downhill race on a hand-built course, the Jach'a Avalancha (Grand
Avalanche) Mountain Bike Race . Other epic descents begin in Sorata and head into the
hinterland of the Cordi- llera Muñecas, or start in Copacabana and La Paz and head to
Sorata.
More and more travelers are taking up the cycling challenge and heading on two wheels
from the north of the country to the south, or vice versa. Those with their own bikes need to
consider several factors. During part of the rainy season, particularly December to Febru-
ary, some roads become mired in muck and heavy rain can greatly reduce visibility, creat-
ing dangerous conditions. Also worth noting is Bolivia's lack of spare parts. Comprehens-
ive repair kits are essential. In the southern Altiplano and Uyuni regions, water is very
scarce; you must be able to carry at least two days' worth of water in some places.